13 best tinted sunscreens for the ultimate protection & glow in one go
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Best tinted sunscreen overall: Ultra Violette Daydream Screen SPF50 Tinted VeilRead more
Best tinted sunscreen for a bronzed glow: Dr Sam's Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50Read more
Best tinted sunscreen with SPF50: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid TintedRead more
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.
In the world of modern skincare, tinted sunscreens are unmatched when it comes to offering effective sun protection and natural-looking coverage. This is why I've always been a huge fan of these formulas – and let's be real, we always welcome a beauty product that helps cut down our busy morning routines.
As someone who loves a fresh, ultra-glowy look (and never skips applying my trusty sunscreen for face), a tinted SPF formula is all I need during summer months and beyond. And as a sweaty gal with oily skin, I often opt for lighter formulas anyway – be it in form of lightweight BB creams, CC creams or breathable tinted moisturisers – instead of full coverage foundations.
Of course, as a beauty journalist, I test and review SPFs for a living, and having tried a fair share of tinted sunscreens on the market, I can definitely recommend the formulas that work best for every skin type and desired results. Some, such as Ultra Violette, have more of a buildable coverage that rival modern skin tints. Others, including Dr Sam's, instead offer something different: a subtle bronze or peachy glow, which evens out skin tone and gives you that ‘your skin but better’ finish.
My only qualm with tinted sunscreens is their lack of shade ranges. While some modern formulations – such as Ultra Violette's and Fenty's – are available in more shades, others still only come in one or just a handful. It's worth noting that due to their sheer nature, many tinted SPFs are blendable and can suit a range of skin tones, but it's definitely an area in the ‘skincare meets makeup’ category that needs a little more work in this sense.
Skip to: Is using a tinted sunscreen just as effective as a 'normal' SPF? | What are the benefits of a tinted sunscreen? | Are tinted sunscreens suitable for all skin types? | Shop the best formulas.
Best tinted sunscreens for face at a glance:
- Best overall: Ultra Violette Daydream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil
- Best for a bronzed glow: Dr Sam's Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50
- Best with a wider shade range: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Mineral SPF 30
- Best for high protection: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid Tinted
Meet the experts:
- Dr Sam Bunting: Dermatologist and founder of Dr Sam's.
- Dr. Eteri Kenkadze: Dermatologist at Evolution Aesthetics Clinic.
- Dr Sonia Khorana: Cosmetic Doctor & Dermatology Expert.
- Dr Emmaline Ashley: Cosmetic Physician.
Is using a tinted sunscreen just as effective as a 'normal' SPF?
If you're an SPF buff and want to ensure your skin is always getting the best possible protection, you need not worry about using a tinted formula instead, the experts agree. “Tinted SPFs can be just as effective as non-tinted SPFs in protecting against UV damage if they offer the same SPF level (e.g., SPF 30) and broad-spectrum SPF protection. The tint itself does not compromise the sunscreen lotion's ability to block harmful UVA and UVB rays,” explains Dr Emmaline.
In fact, says Dr Sonia, you may feel the benefits of tinted formulas more than ‘normal’ SPFs if you have certain skin concerns: “Tinted sunscreens have been found to reduce relapses of melasma more than non-tinted, broad-spectrum protection sunscreens,” she begins, before adding: “Tinted sunscreens have also been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation, both on the skin surface and under a microscope. Iron oxide, in particular, appears to be particularly effective at blocking blue light.”
Dr Sam just reminds all sunscreen users to be diligent with application, no matter if you're reaching for a tinted formula or clear one: “The key is to apply the correct dose for any sunscreen - this is 2mg/cm2 of skin. Practically, this is about ½ teaspoon for the face and neck, or you can use lines of SPF as long as both your index and middle finger as a guide.”
How we tested tinted sunscreens
Throughout the years, the GLAMOUR team has collectively tried dozens of tinted sunscreens, having tested said formulas on a variety of skin types, skin tones and age groups. When reviewing each formula, we've assessed the final look and whether it lasts all day, as well as value for money and how innovative it is compared to other options on the market. Find out more about how we test.